There are three streams to choose from in the Indigenous Studies PhD Program:
Monograph Dissertation
This stream offers students an educational opportunity at an advanced level of study. Students engage in learning experiences that are grounded in Indigenous cultures in content and process and which reflect the interaction between traditional and contemporary Indigenous knowledges within the academic context.
In addition to course work and exams, students complete monograph dissertation and dissertation defence.
Knowledge Basket Dissertation: Path A Research-Creation
This stream is a project-based option. Students conduct original research and disseminate the findings of that research within a creative component and a written component (20,000-30,000 words).
The creative component will reflect the act of creating something that has practical applicability. It can be:
- A creative piece (graphic novel, fictional novel, film, play/performance, painting, visual arts, pottery, sculpture, quilts, etc.) under the guidance of an Elder, Knowledge Holder, or other Expert in that practice),
- Product or tool (educational, environmental, etc.),
- Architectural design,
- Website or online/web-based platform etc.
These suggestions are not exclusive, other options are possible if determined appropriate for the student/ committee/project
The final component of Path A is a Round Table wherein the candidate presents the overall Dissertation Knowledge Basket to the examining committee and engages in critical dialogue regarding the overall project.
Knowledge Basket Dissertation: Path B Scholar-Practitioner
Path B is designed for students who carry a specific Indigenous practice and would like to apprentice with an Elder or Knowledge Holder as a component of a practice-based research project within the field of Indigenous Knowledges: Peoples, Lands, Waters, Cultures. To qualify for this path, students must have a minimum of seven years prior experience with said Indigenous practice. As a scholar practitioner, students will demonstrate candidate mastery of an Indigenous practice (under the direction of an approved Elder or Knowledge Holder) as well as disseminate the findings of their practice-based original research through a Creative component (accompanied by support documentation).
The creative component is the primary method of disseminating the findings of the community-based research project. The creative component can be:
- A creative piece (graphic novel, fictional novel, film, play/performance, painting, visual arts, pottery, sculpture, quilts, etc.) under the guidance of an Elder, Knowledge Holder, or other Expert in that practice)
- Product or tool (educational, environmental, etc.),
- Architectural design
- Website or online/web-based platform etc.
These suggestions are not exclusive, other options are possible if determined appropriate for the student/committee/project.
The final component of Path B is a Round Table wherein the candidate presents the overall Dissertation Knowledge Basket to the examining committee and engages in critical dialogue regarding the overall project.